Abstract:
As in other species, it is possible that a homozygous red leafed (= redleaf) hazelnut (Corylus avellana L.) tree would have brighter red coloration than a heterozygote and thus be more desirable as an ornamental. However, 'Fusco Rubra' and `Rode Zeller' both carry incompatibility allele S6 (thus cross-incompatible) and are heterozygous for the redleaf trait. Furthermore, the incompatibility trait is linked to the redleaf trait. To obtain a homozygous redleaf tree, it is necessary find recombination between S6 and the redleaf trait. Controlled crosses of green leafed parents and parents heterozygous for redleaf trait and incompatibility allele S6 were made to reassess the linkage of incompatibility and leaf anthocyanin. Leaf color was noted and presence of S6 was determined by fluorescence microscopy. The progenies had very close to a 1:1 redleaf to green leaf ratio and an averaged frequency of recombination of 19.7% between the redleaf (A locus) and incompatibility (S locus) traits. These results contradict an earlier report.
